The move from the Delhi government was taken after 2 senior officials of the Ghazipur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Notably, this is the first time that COVID-19 cases have been reported from the Ghazipur Mandi.

The coronavirus cases in the Gazipur market were reported days after at least 16 COVID-19 cases were reported from the Azadpur mandi.

The official further stated that a surveillance team has started contact tracing for the two infected officials of the APMC and added that 11 staff members will undergo COVID-19 test on Friday.

On the other hand, the authorities at the mandi have urged the government to conduct COVID-19 test for all traders and labourers at the market.

With about 450 shops, the Ghazipur mandi caters to the need of a large population in east Delhi and National Capital Region towns of Ghaziabad and Noida. More than 2,500 people work in the mandi.

As a preventive measure, a police team has been deployed round-the-clock to check unnecessary movement of people at the mandi.